few pics from the tests.
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^ Thats on ugly paint job on the Yammies I hope they dont go thru the season in those coulours.
Lap times drop as Pedrosa leaves Sepang on a high
Sepang Official MotoGP Test - Day 3 Highlights
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa heads into the two-week break as the man to beat after ending the final day of the Sepang test on top, as riders across the field dropped their laps times once more.
Pedrosa’s teammate Marc Márquez gave everyone a scare in the morning as he crashed in the final turn at speed, although he walked away unscathed and could continue his work on his second bike. A record lap set by Pedrosa of 2:00’100 was not beaten all day, as Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo ended just over three tenths off, himself focussing on a race simulation later in the day.
His teammate Valentino Rossi also showed that he could get below the 2:01 mark, leaving it until just before lunch to post his fastest time that saw him end the day in third behind his teammate. Márquez, despite going quicker again today, was this time unable to finish in the top three as he put in a lengthy run at the end, yet stayed a close fourth, challenged by the impressive Cal Crutchlow, the last rider below the 2:01 mark, on his 2012 Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine.
LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl just missed out on that feat with a time of 2.01’003, although the German looked on good form as he went quicker once more on his RC213V. Go & Fun Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista improved over yesterday’s time, getting more dialled in to the bike’s geometry and Showa suspension, with Tech 3 rookie Bradley Smith continuing his steep, but progressive, learning curve in eighth. Smith also undertook a race simulation early in the day before setting his best time.
The Ducati Team will be buoyed by progress, with Nicky Hayden gaining over a second over the three days, as he ended the day in ninth, with teammate Andrea Dovizioso less than a hundredth behind. Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga was the first outside of the top ten, in front of Power Electronics Aspar’s Aleix Espargaró, who put in a tremendous effort to place his CRT 12th, and just over 2.5s off the top. He ousted Pramac Team’s Italian rookie Andrea Iannone into 13th, who was without teammate Ben Spies today, as the Texan decided to sit it out and let his shoulder recuperate before the second Sepang test. He finished the overall standings in 15th.
HRC test rider Kosuke Akiyoshi headed Paul Bird Motorsport’s Michael Laverty, who has improved by nearly 3s over the three days on his MotoGP™ debut. He beat established Aspar rider Randy de Puniet, who finished ahead of Yamaha test rider Wataru Yoshikawa, Avintia Blusens’ Héctor Barberá and HRC test rider Takumi Takahashi. Came IodaRacing Project’s Danilo Petrucci ended the day in 20th, in front of Cardion AB Motoracing’s Karel Abraham, Avintia’s Hiroshi Aoyama, NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Claudio Corti and Ioda’s Lukas Pesek. Rounding out the back of the grid are PBM’s Yonny Hernandez, trying to fix chatter issues, as well as NGM’s Colin Edwards and Gresini’s Bryan Staring.
Nakamoto on Honda test and future "production racer"
Nakamoto on 2014 client-spec RCV and 2013 prospects
Thursday, 7 February 2013
HRC Executive Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto told motogp.com that he is happy with how both Repsol Honda Team riders have performed in the test so far, and that he is a little surprised by Marc Márquez’s high pace.
He commented: "Both riders are working very hard testing several items. With Dani, some items he was happy about, some unhappy - but this is normal for winter testing. Marc, now that he’s riding a MotoGP™ machine he is not testing items, but getting to know and understand the bike." When prompted whether he was surprised by the rookie’s pace he said: "To be honest not surprised, but a little bit quicker than I expected."
He also mentioned that he expected the two other Honda riders, in the form of LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl and Go & Fun Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista, to improve their performances this year. Bradl, he said, could be a serious podium contender this year, while Bautista could at least double his podium tally from last season.
Finally he spoke about Honda’s "production racer", which will be a cheaper option for satellite teams from 2014: "We’ll make a factory spec bike, but the engine is a bit different with a valve spring system and a standard transmission. The chassis we are trying to make a little bit cheaper, but to keep the performance is not easy. This is the reason our schedule is a little bit delayed." The bike is set to run the Magneti Marelli hardware and Dorna software, and will be fully available to all riders for the first test after the Valencia GP this year.
Yeah I don't get how the rocker cover and a few bolts can be enough to earth the bike, I've noticed a few things now that make no sense, it's only done 49,000 miles so you think it would be in half decent shape still... the engine is good besides needing a few new gaskets in the top-end, the wiring is fucked, the frame's been cut and the bike extended at least 4 inches...
it's not the original tank, it's one of those split tanks from a touring bike, I hope they haven't fucked with the mounts too much cause I wanna rip it off and put a peanut tank back on it. I'll get some black drag bars as well, I don't like these big shitting chrome things. Basically I'm happy to rip this bike into pieces and sell/throw most of it away, the engine is what I want. Gonna check out bunnings, cause I'm gonna end up ripping the motor out soon enough and put a new loom in. I think that switch you're taking about (from the red battery lead?) is the circuit breaker with the lights and starter wires coming off it.
dude it seems harley parts are a lot cheaper than riceburners, fucking $2000 for a 4 barrel jap carby I can rebuild an entire hardly davidson for that kinda cash
http://www.jpcycles.com/1983-harley-davidson-sportster-xlx/engine?all=true
You need a shed bro. For the amount of K's it's done one of the owners was a pretty big knucklehead.
Is this the look you going for ?
\
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/murray-bridge/motorcycles/harley-davidson-sportster/1013654973
Is this the look you going for ?
\
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/murray-bridge/motorcycles/harley-davidson-sportster/1013654973
almost that look, the handlebars on that bike suck, they should be lower and almost a broomstick, the tank's wayyy too small, that gap at the front is balls. The exhaust looks crap, if you're gonna move the coil then take the wiring with it and the whole bike is dirty looking as fuck. Not worth what they're asking. Rigid struts look cool but a couple springs under your ass hardly replaces engineered suspension/swingarm and the like. I prefer to be comfortable on longish rides.
Pretty funny for an aussie bike it's being sold with no mounts for the rego , no chain guard, no front fender, no body mount for the rear exhaust, no indicators front/rear, no speedo, no fucking chance with vicroads or the cops. It's not even a vintage bike (1983<), so there are no exceptions on what it can/doesn't need to have. You'd need to spend another grand getting it on the road.
$7500 for a piece of shit you can't legally ride anywhere and it's uglier than a dogs asshole, so not even a show piece.
lol.
Imma get a shed when I move soon haha
edit; i see the rear exhaust is mounted higher along the swingarm but it still looks like shit anyway
outta the above they all have good points and bad. So far all you and I know is what your going to build aint gonna be a hard tail and thats good. Then you look at the wiring loom meH I'm sure if you sit down that isn't going to be much of a problem for you. What the go with the motor, gear box and primary drive ? As in condition and wear ? I wont even ask about the wheels brakes and tyres yet cause the words "the frame has been extended 4" scares me a bit ( alot ).
One of the things you really need to think about early on is, what is this bike for ? And I'm sure you aint gonna build it for the "image" you are far to single minded and headstrong to bother with images. It's bound to be your daily ride to work and back, for while when it's finished. But here's a thought not if but when you get pissed of with the world and the people in it will you be able to strap a swag to the bike from your ballbag to the headlight and pack a napsack with the essentials in it and fuck off to Tassie when you got holidays or go up thru the middle of Vic to NSW.
I just saying really early on while your building it, decide what you want to do on it is all.
One of the things you really need to think about early on is, what is this bike for ? And I'm sure you aint gonna build it for the "image" you are far to single minded and headstrong to bother with images. It's bound to be your daily ride to work and back, for while when it's finished. But here's a thought not if but when you get pissed of with the world and the people in it will you be able to strap a swag to the bike from your ballbag to the headlight and pack a napsack with the essentials in it and fuck off to Tassie when you got holidays or go up thru the middle of Vic to NSW.
I just saying really early on while your building it, decide what you want to do on it is all.
i'v never heard of this guy b4 but he gets a lot of respect shitty weather and he's done more laps that us
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the race vid wont come up you know the drill if you want to see it click on the page.
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Fastest Wheelie on ice - 108.5 MPH (174.6 KMPH)
World's fastest wheelie on ice as Ryan Suchanek from Edgerton, Wisconsin hits 108.5 mph for 200m on his 2005 Kawasaki ZX10R across frozen Lake Koshkinong in southern Wisconsin. Suchanek battled a strong crosswind and the specter of a messy mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain that began to close in on Lake Koshkonong early Sunday afternoon. The event began at 10 a.m. and originally was expected to go until dark, but the oncoming weather front pushed Suchanek to wrap up his attempts not long after setting the new record.
His speed was tracked by two GPS units and a radar gun. To qualify for the "Guinness Book of World Records," Suchanek needed the devices to confirm his speed, as well as several witnesses and extensive media coverage. Video recorded by Jake Roth.
If you follow this class I would be putting my money on Vinales, he was the stand out new rider last year I he should be able to go all the way to the top this year.
Viñales and KTM throw down the gauntlet in Valencia
2013 - Valencia Test - DAY 3 - Moto3 - Highlights
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Dominance across all three days by JHK T-Shirt Laglisse’s Maverick Viñales has sent a clear warning to the Moto3™ grid at the Valencia test that came to an end today.
The Spaniard ended the three days top with a time of 1.39’299, praising his new KTM, saying that he was particularly impressed with the engine, and that it was now only the chassis that needs more work. Estrella Galicia’s Alex Rins, last year’s Rookie of the Year, finished in second less than three tenths behind, with Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Luis Salom in tow.
Caretta Technology-RTG’s John McPhee, who had been largely subdued throughout big parts of the test, put in a terrific performance to end the test as fastest FTR Honda, and the last rider below the 1.40 mark. Fifth spot went to Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger, who was getting acquainted with his 2013 Kalex KTM, citing that he was looking for higher corner speed.
McPhee’s teammate Jack Miller was equally improved as he came sixth, to oust Italian hopeful, San Carlo Team Italia’s Romano Fenati, who had looked like the strongest FTR for the majority of the test, into seventh. Estrella Galicia 0,0’s new boy Alex Márquez put in a good showing in eighth, followed by the Mahindra Racing pair of Efrén Vázquez and Miguel Oliveira, who are both adapting to the manufacturer’s completely new bike.
Marc VDS Racing Team’s Livio Loi was the fastest rookie in 14th, whilst Viñales’ teammate Ana Carrasco made a tremendous start to her tenure in Moto3 in 16th. There were numerous crashes throughout the sessions for Fenati, Salom, Oliveira, Kiefer Racing’s Toni Finsterbusch, Can Carlo’s Francesco Bagnaia, CIP’s Juan Guevara and Ongetta-Centro Seta’s Matteo Ferrari. None of the riders were seriously hurt.
Espargaró top as Lüthi injured on final day in Valencia
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2013 - Valencia Test - DAY 3 - Moto2 - Highlights
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Tuenti HP 40’s Pol Espargaró has announced himself as the man to beat this season by ending the three-day Valencia Moto2™ test on top, as Interwetten-Paddock’s Tom Lüthi was taken to hospital after a crash with Honda Gresini Moto2’s Ratthapark Wilairot.
Lüthi, who finished the test in fifth, has been taken to Valencia’s 9 d'Octubre Hostipal with a suspected broken right arm and collarbone, while Wilairot is being treated at the circuit for pain in his head. At present the exact cause is unclear, with both riders not being able to fully recall the incident.
Before the incident happened, Espargaró’s time set in the second session today of 1.34’577 put him top of the pile ahead of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2’s Nico Terol, who looks to have had an upsurge in form this year. Whilst Espargaró was testing only minor upgrades on his Kalex, Terol was evaluating the 2012 chassis and the 2013 one, with him tending towards the newer one, but still undecided.
Italtrans Racing Team’s Julián Simón gelled with his Kalex over the three days, going just four tenths slower than the top time, with Terol’s teammate Jordi Torres closely behind. Lüthi, who had looked strong before his crash, was fifth, with Simón’s teammate Takaaki Nakagami carrying over his form from the end of last year, to post the sixth quickest time.
Marc VDS Racing Team’s Scott Redding left it until the penultimate session of the day to jump to seventh place on the table, as he starts his championship challenge from a strong position, ousting Pons’ Esteve Rabat into eighth. NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Simone Corsi continued to be the strongest Speed Up rider, with Came IodaRacing Project’s Johann Zarco completing the top ten. Dynavolt Intact GP’s Sandro Cortese ended the test as strongest rookie in 21st place.
There were also crashes for Torres, Rabat, NGM’s Alex de Angelis, Zarco, as well as Tech 3 Racing’s Louis Rossi. Fortunately these riders were not seriously hurt.
Viñales and KTM throw down the gauntlet in Valencia
2013 - Valencia Test - DAY 3 - Moto3 - Highlights
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Dominance across all three days by JHK T-Shirt Laglisse’s Maverick Viñales has sent a clear warning to the Moto3™ grid at the Valencia test that came to an end today.
The Spaniard ended the three days top with a time of 1.39’299, praising his new KTM, saying that he was particularly impressed with the engine, and that it was now only the chassis that needs more work. Estrella Galicia’s Alex Rins, last year’s Rookie of the Year, finished in second less than three tenths behind, with Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Luis Salom in tow.
Caretta Technology-RTG’s John McPhee, who had been largely subdued throughout big parts of the test, put in a terrific performance to end the test as fastest FTR Honda, and the last rider below the 1.40 mark. Fifth spot went to Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger, who was getting acquainted with his 2013 Kalex KTM, citing that he was looking for higher corner speed.
McPhee’s teammate Jack Miller was equally improved as he came sixth, to oust Italian hopeful, San Carlo Team Italia’s Romano Fenati, who had looked like the strongest FTR for the majority of the test, into seventh. Estrella Galicia 0,0’s new boy Alex Márquez put in a good showing in eighth, followed by the Mahindra Racing pair of Efrén Vázquez and Miguel Oliveira, who are both adapting to the manufacturer’s completely new bike.
Marc VDS Racing Team’s Livio Loi was the fastest rookie in 14th, whilst Viñales’ teammate Ana Carrasco made a tremendous start to her tenure in Moto3 in 16th. There were numerous crashes throughout the sessions for Fenati, Salom, Oliveira, Kiefer Racing’s Toni Finsterbusch, Can Carlo’s Francesco Bagnaia, CIP’s Juan Guevara and Ongetta-Centro Seta’s Matteo Ferrari. None of the riders were seriously hurt.
Espargaró top as Lüthi injured on final day in Valencia
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2013 - Valencia Test - DAY 3 - Moto2 - Highlights
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Tuenti HP 40’s Pol Espargaró has announced himself as the man to beat this season by ending the three-day Valencia Moto2™ test on top, as Interwetten-Paddock’s Tom Lüthi was taken to hospital after a crash with Honda Gresini Moto2’s Ratthapark Wilairot.
Lüthi, who finished the test in fifth, has been taken to Valencia’s 9 d'Octubre Hostipal with a suspected broken right arm and collarbone, while Wilairot is being treated at the circuit for pain in his head. At present the exact cause is unclear, with both riders not being able to fully recall the incident.
Before the incident happened, Espargaró’s time set in the second session today of 1.34’577 put him top of the pile ahead of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2’s Nico Terol, who looks to have had an upsurge in form this year. Whilst Espargaró was testing only minor upgrades on his Kalex, Terol was evaluating the 2012 chassis and the 2013 one, with him tending towards the newer one, but still undecided.
Italtrans Racing Team’s Julián Simón gelled with his Kalex over the three days, going just four tenths slower than the top time, with Terol’s teammate Jordi Torres closely behind. Lüthi, who had looked strong before his crash, was fifth, with Simón’s teammate Takaaki Nakagami carrying over his form from the end of last year, to post the sixth quickest time.
Marc VDS Racing Team’s Scott Redding left it until the penultimate session of the day to jump to seventh place on the table, as he starts his championship challenge from a strong position, ousting Pons’ Esteve Rabat into eighth. NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Simone Corsi continued to be the strongest Speed Up rider, with Came IodaRacing Project’s Johann Zarco completing the top ten. Dynavolt Intact GP’s Sandro Cortese ended the test as strongest rookie in 21st place.
There were also crashes for Torres, Rabat, NGM’s Alex de Angelis, Zarco, as well as Tech 3 Racing’s Louis Rossi. Fortunately these riders were not seriously hurt.
-- Laverty fastest as Sykes crashes hard 
Aprilia factory rider Eugene Laverty set the fastest time on day one of the private world Superbike test at Phillip Island yesterday(Feb 14) ahead of the opening round of the championship from February 22-24.
While all times are unofficial, Laverty, now the star turn at Aprilia following the retirement of 2012 world champion Max Biaggi, set a best lap of 1m31.7s around the freshly resurfaced 4.445km circuit. He edged out British trio Leon Camier (Suzuki, 1:31.9), Jonathan Rea (Honda, 1:32.0) and Leon Haslam (Honda, 1:32.0), while it was a disastrous day for championship favourite Tom Sykes when he fell from his Kawasaki early on at the fast turn 11, sustaining a hairline fracture to his left wrist.
The 27-year-old was sent to a Melbourne hospital for a scan, and will now rest before returning to Philip Island on February 18 for the start of an official two-day test.
Meanwhile another WSBK star, Spain’s Carlos Checa, didn’t even manage to get out onto the circuit due to a stomach ailment, and he is currently undergoing tests for a possible intestinal blockage. Checa has won four of the last six WSBK races at Phillip Island.
With Checa absent, it was left to his factory Ducati team-mate Ayrton Badovini to continue development of the all-new Panigale 1199R race bike, and he was a respectable ninth fastest with a 1:32.8.
World No. 3 Marco Melandri (BMW, 1:32.2) was fifth fastest, ahead of new Aprilia signing Sylvain Guintoli (1:32.3) and Suzuki rookie Jules Cluzel (1:32.7), while Davide Giugliano (1:32.7) was the fastest non-factory rider on his Aprilia.
Track chief Fergus Cameron said the new surface had plenty of grip and he was intrigued watching the riders acclimatise to the new conditions.
“With the added grip, they are carrying so much speed into the corners and taking totally different lines -- in some cases even running over the apex kerbs into the turn,” Cameron said.
“It’s interesting to see where they are staying on, and conversely coming off. Notoriously turn eight was tricky, but now they have got so much grip there the riders are nearly taking a straight line through the corner
“And the riders are losing it in different places. Yesterday they came off going into turn two, losing the front end going into Southern Loop, and also the exit at turn 11. That’s where Sykes had a cropper.
“Once they get their tyre set up right, we’re going to see some really quick times around here.”
Cluzel and his team-mate Camier also had tumbles on day one, and Cluzel was left with a large and deep hole in his arm. He will be operated on in Melbourne today to close the wound. Camier was unhurt, save for bashing his elbow and wrist.
The action continues today, while Australian wildcards Jamie Stauffer (Honda) and Glenn Allerton (BMW) will also join the rest of the WSBK field in the official two-day test on February 18-19.
PRIVATE WSBK TETS DAY ONE TIMES
1. Eugene Laverty IRL Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.7s
2. Leon Camier GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 31.9s
3. Jonathan Rea GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 32.0s
4. Leon Haslam GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 32.0s
5. Marco Melandri ITA BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 32.2s
6. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 32.3s
7. Jules Cluzel FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 32.5s
8. Davide Giugliano ITA Althea Aprilia RSV4 1m 32.7s
9. Ayrton Badovini ITA Alstare Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.8s
10. Max Neukirchner GER MR Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.9s
11. Chaz Davies GBR BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 33.0s
12. Loris Baz FRA Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 33.2s
13. Michel Fabrizio ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 1m 33.7s
14. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 34.5s
http://www.mcnews.com.au/MotorcycleRacing2013/WSBK/Test_Feb14-15/Gallery_A/index.html#prettyPhoto
Aprilia factory rider Eugene Laverty set the fastest time on day one of the private world Superbike test at Phillip Island yesterday(Feb 14) ahead of the opening round of the championship from February 22-24.
While all times are unofficial, Laverty, now the star turn at Aprilia following the retirement of 2012 world champion Max Biaggi, set a best lap of 1m31.7s around the freshly resurfaced 4.445km circuit. He edged out British trio Leon Camier (Suzuki, 1:31.9), Jonathan Rea (Honda, 1:32.0) and Leon Haslam (Honda, 1:32.0), while it was a disastrous day for championship favourite Tom Sykes when he fell from his Kawasaki early on at the fast turn 11, sustaining a hairline fracture to his left wrist.
The 27-year-old was sent to a Melbourne hospital for a scan, and will now rest before returning to Philip Island on February 18 for the start of an official two-day test.
Meanwhile another WSBK star, Spain’s Carlos Checa, didn’t even manage to get out onto the circuit due to a stomach ailment, and he is currently undergoing tests for a possible intestinal blockage. Checa has won four of the last six WSBK races at Phillip Island.
With Checa absent, it was left to his factory Ducati team-mate Ayrton Badovini to continue development of the all-new Panigale 1199R race bike, and he was a respectable ninth fastest with a 1:32.8.
World No. 3 Marco Melandri (BMW, 1:32.2) was fifth fastest, ahead of new Aprilia signing Sylvain Guintoli (1:32.3) and Suzuki rookie Jules Cluzel (1:32.7), while Davide Giugliano (1:32.7) was the fastest non-factory rider on his Aprilia.
Track chief Fergus Cameron said the new surface had plenty of grip and he was intrigued watching the riders acclimatise to the new conditions.
“With the added grip, they are carrying so much speed into the corners and taking totally different lines -- in some cases even running over the apex kerbs into the turn,” Cameron said.
“It’s interesting to see where they are staying on, and conversely coming off. Notoriously turn eight was tricky, but now they have got so much grip there the riders are nearly taking a straight line through the corner
“And the riders are losing it in different places. Yesterday they came off going into turn two, losing the front end going into Southern Loop, and also the exit at turn 11. That’s where Sykes had a cropper.
“Once they get their tyre set up right, we’re going to see some really quick times around here.”
Cluzel and his team-mate Camier also had tumbles on day one, and Cluzel was left with a large and deep hole in his arm. He will be operated on in Melbourne today to close the wound. Camier was unhurt, save for bashing his elbow and wrist.
The action continues today, while Australian wildcards Jamie Stauffer (Honda) and Glenn Allerton (BMW) will also join the rest of the WSBK field in the official two-day test on February 18-19.
PRIVATE WSBK TETS DAY ONE TIMES
1. Eugene Laverty IRL Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.7s
2. Leon Camier GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 31.9s
3. Jonathan Rea GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 32.0s
4. Leon Haslam GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 32.0s
5. Marco Melandri ITA BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 32.2s
6. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 32.3s
7. Jules Cluzel FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 32.5s
8. Davide Giugliano ITA Althea Aprilia RSV4 1m 32.7s
9. Ayrton Badovini ITA Alstare Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.8s
10. Max Neukirchner GER MR Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.9s
11. Chaz Davies GBR BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 33.0s
12. Loris Baz FRA Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 33.2s
13. Michel Fabrizio ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 1m 33.7s
14. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 34.5s
http://www.mcnews.com.au/MotorcycleRacing2013/WSBK/Test_Feb14-15/Gallery_A/index.html#prettyPhoto
WSBK 2013 new regulations
Published on: October 18, 2012 Author: Motorcycle NewsDesk
Dorna’s changes to WSBK will kick in only in 2014, but Infront Motorsports have made sure that they are giving the sport every chance of survival. Over the past couple of months we have heard a lot speculations about the new WSBK rules and now we have official confirmation on what is true and what is not. The most controversial of it all is the removal of the twin cylinder weight penalty. This basically benefits only Ducati. Now there are a lot of different ways to look at this and with Ducati fielding the Panigale from next season any obvious advantage will be immediately visible. Check out below for a look at the changes and additions to the WSBK rules for 2013.
WSBK 2013 Rules
Superbike Minimum weight
After the number of dry/wet races that the championship had this season, the Commission has decided to introduce pit stops instead of red flagging races due to changing weather conditions.
Pit Stop rule
Published on: October 18, 2012 Author: Motorcycle NewsDesk
Dorna’s changes to WSBK will kick in only in 2014, but Infront Motorsports have made sure that they are giving the sport every chance of survival. Over the past couple of months we have heard a lot speculations about the new WSBK rules and now we have official confirmation on what is true and what is not. The most controversial of it all is the removal of the twin cylinder weight penalty. This basically benefits only Ducati. Now there are a lot of different ways to look at this and with Ducati fielding the Panigale from next season any obvious advantage will be immediately visible. Check out below for a look at the changes and additions to the WSBK rules for 2013.
WSBK 2013 Rules
Superbike Minimum weight
- 1200 cc 2 cylinders: 165 kg
- 1000 cc 3 and 4 cylinders: 165 kg
After the number of dry/wet races that the championship had this season, the Commission has decided to introduce pit stops instead of red flagging races due to changing weather conditions.
Pit Stop rule
- A Superbike race will not be interrupted for climatic reasons except for extraordinary events and riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments must enter the pits (at any moment) and do so during the actual race.
- Refueling is “strictly prohibited” and the pit stop procedure will be as follows: Riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments in the pit lane must stop in front of their garage, turn off the engine and dismount their motorcycle. Only three mechanics, clearly identified with an official armband, are allowed to touch the motorcycle or work on it during the pit stop.
- These three mechanics cannot receive any external help in the pit lane (i.e. passing the tools from the garage, etc.), but the rider can help them if he wishes to do so. A marshal will monitor the situation and report any infringement of this rule which will be penalized by the Race Direction with a ride through.
- The use of power tools (maximum two at the same time, electric or pneumatic) is allowed.
- Stands or lifts must operate manually and cannot be power assisted.The use of an auxiliary starter and/or of a booster battery is allowed to restart the motorcycle.
Camier Leads WSBK Test In Oz Despite Huge Crash
by staff
Friday, February 15, 2013
Phillip Island continued to resemble Bizarroworld in the second day of World Superbike testing.
Where to start?
Leon Camier saw his Crescent Suzuki sail off track and into trees at 140 mph at Swan Corner, the last turn before the start-finish straight, yet he still led the time sheets for the day with a top lap of 1:31.2. That was five-tenths quicker than the top lap Thursday set by Eugene Laverty's factory Aprilia.
Camier was running four-tenths quicker than his best time when he crashed in the final corner, with his GSX-R taking flight. He was unhurt.
"At the end of the day, we had a massive crash when I was pushing for a really fast lap," Camier said. "I just got caught out by the wind. The bike was absolutely totaled, so the boys have got a lot of work to do tonight. Hopefully we'll be back up to speed as soon as we get back on track on Monday."
Sylvain Guintoli was right behind Camier at 1:31.3 on his factory Aprilia, while Jonny Rea marched in one-tenth lockstep to third at 1:31.4 on his Honda despite crashing in the late afternoon. Marco Melandri was fourth on his BMW at 1:31.6, while Michel Fabrizio rounded out the top five on his Aprilia at 1:31.7.
But the second day of testing was almost as significant for who wasn't on the track.
Both Ducati riders ended up spending the second day of the test in a Melbourne-area hospital. Carlos Checa missed his second consecutive day with a blocked intestine, and Ayrton Badovini was checked and released without injury from the crash house after suspecting a broken rib from a hard morning spill in Turn 9. Badovini's Ducati caught fire and burnt to a charcoal-gray crisp after hitting the ground.
Both Kawasaki riders, Tom Sykes and Loris Baz, didn't ride Friday after suffering injuries in crashes Thursday on the freshly paved surface at Phillip Island. Sykes sustained a broken wrist, while Baz still suffered from back pain due to his massive high-side Thursday.
Camier's teammate, Jules Cluzel, also missed testing Friday due to a minor operation Thursday at a Melbourne-area hospital to repair a deep gash in his elbow suffered in a crash Thursday and re-opened in a second crash later that day.
All of the banged-up and ill riders are expected to participate in the official WSBK race week test starting Monday at Phillip Island.
Medic!
Camier's bike and a coupla other pics of the Duke that went down on day one
Ayrton Badovini (before going to hospital) - Team Ducati Alstare
“I’m reasonably happy with what we’ve done so far and I’m getting to know the bike better each time out. I’ve never ridden a twin before and the bike’s characteristics are very different to what I’m used to. I’ve been concentrating on making small steps forward, instead of trying anything radical and I feel that we’ve made good progress. As this bike is new, we’ve been trying to find a good base setting - something that will give us a reference point - and good bike balance. Also, the team have been working a lot on the electronics and the power delivery. We have to improve quite a few things, but that is normal with a new bike - especially as we cannot use any data from before. I’m very happy with the team and already everybody is working well together. I am positive that once we get the bike dialled in, we can get good results.”
Leon Camier – Fixi Crescent Suzuki
“The new surface is OK, though it felt bad at first. Once some rubber was down, it improved. There are a lot less bumps and I am using the same racing line, but there are now a couple of places where we’ve got a few different options. I’m satisfied with what we’ve done over the two days though I could’ve done without the crashes - especially the one today. It became very windy this afternoon, and I lost the front on the last turn when a gust of wind hit the bike. The bike went on forever, over a barrier and took out a couple of small trees in the process. It obliterated the bike, which is not that hard to believe as the crash happened at over 200 kph. I’m pretty beaten up, and I’m going to be pretty sore tomorrow, but luckily I didn’t break anything. I felt pretty comfortable on the bike today and even managed to do a race distance OK.”
Sylvain Guintoli – Aprilia
“Generally I’m very happy with these two days. We’ve done a lot of work towards a race set-up and race pace and I’ve been able to get to know the bike a lot better and now feel much more at home with the bike. I managed to find a good rhythm and also tried a lot of different settings. Yesterday morning the track didn’t feel so good, but once some rubber went down, it improved quite a bit. Some bumps still remain, but generally it is much batter, though there a couple of places where I feel it is a bit worse. This bike is very different to what I rode last year - especially with regards to the engine, the chassis and the electronics. Also the 17 inch wheels make a big difference, but I’m really happy with them and the progress we’re making.”
Eugene Laverty - Aprilia
“It’s been a good couple of days, though not without some issues. Yesterday was good and my lap times were good, but today we suffered with front end problems and although we tried many different ideas we never really got rid of the problem. Today we were struggling to make the front tyre last more than six laps. But apart from that, everything else was OK. The 17 inch tyres seemed to suit the bike (well yesterday anyway) and and we just made steady progress. The track is generally better though there are some strange bumps at turn 2 - everywhere else is OK. It became quite windy this afternoon - in turns 2 and 3 and also the last turn and it would; been easy to crash, so I took it a bit steady there. I did nearly lose the front one time at the hairpin but managed to get back upright again by using my right knee.”
Chas Davies - BMW Motorrad GoldBet
We’ve improved quite a bit over the test and I’m certainly much comfortable with the bike compared to the last time out. Also we’ve been able to try quite a few different things (about 70% of what we wanted) and that made me happy. The track was better today than yesterday, though the wind was a problem in the afternoon and you had to be very careful in a couple of places. There a few bumps still around, including a strange big one at turn 3. I think the 17 inch wheels are a step in the right direction and my feeling about them is pretty good so far. I was pushing hard today, but I didn’t take any big risks as the season is only just starting and you have to think about the races ahead. I am happy to end the test having nearly a second quicker than yesterday and I’m now looking forward to my next time on the bike and improving some more.”
Marco Melandri – BMW Motorrad GoldBet
“I was actually expecting a bit more from the track. I remember that, in 1998, the resurfacing made the track much better. Now, in some places the bumps are better and in some places they are worse. The grip is OK, but we’re having a tough time because the tyres are only lasting five or six laps. We struggled a bit with the 17 inch tyres in November, but here we’ve definitely made a step forward with them. We’ve improved the bike’s corner speed entry and also the chattering. Last year the chattering was very bad here. We haven’t got rid of it 100%, but it’s pretty good now.”
Leon Haslam – Pata Honda
“We had some issues with the new electronics before this test, but over the two days we’ve improved them and now we’re probably at about 70%, so that’s pretty positive. We’re still trying things of course and we’ll continue that at then next test. I did some good lap times on hard tyres maybe because the track feels a lot smoother. The new surface means that we’ve had to use a different set-up than before . Yesterday morning and this morning was not so good, but yesterday afternoon and this afternoon was better, though when the wind came up this afternoon, it became difficult to control the bike in some corners. It was especially bad at turn 3 and the Hayshed as well as the last turn coming on to the front straight. I’m feeling happy with the bike’s chassis and looking forward to the next test and putting everything we’ve learnt here together.”
PRIVATE WSBK TEST OVERALL BEST TIMES (UNOFFICIAL)
1. Leon Camier GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 31.2s
2. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.4s
3. Marco Melandri ITA BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 31.6s
4. Eugene Laverty IRL Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.7s
5. Michel Fabrizio ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 1m 31.7s
6. Jonathan Rea GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 31.9s
7. Leon Haslam GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 31.9s
8. 8. Davide Giugliano ITA Althea Aprilia RSV4 1m 31.9s
9. Chaz Davies GBR BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 32.1s
10. Loris Baz FRA Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 33.2s
11. Ayrton Badovini ITA Alstare Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.4s
12. Jules Cluzel FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 32.5s
13. Max Neukirchner GER MR Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.6s
14. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 34.5s
Carlos Checa SPA Alstare Ducati 1199R did not ride
Official World Superbike lap records – Phillip Island
Race Lap record Max Biaggi Aprilia (2012) time 1m31.785
Best lap qualifying record Carlos Checa Ducati – Ducati (2011) time 1m30.882
by staff
Friday, February 15, 2013
Phillip Island continued to resemble Bizarroworld in the second day of World Superbike testing.
Where to start?
Leon Camier saw his Crescent Suzuki sail off track and into trees at 140 mph at Swan Corner, the last turn before the start-finish straight, yet he still led the time sheets for the day with a top lap of 1:31.2. That was five-tenths quicker than the top lap Thursday set by Eugene Laverty's factory Aprilia.
Camier was running four-tenths quicker than his best time when he crashed in the final corner, with his GSX-R taking flight. He was unhurt.
"At the end of the day, we had a massive crash when I was pushing for a really fast lap," Camier said. "I just got caught out by the wind. The bike was absolutely totaled, so the boys have got a lot of work to do tonight. Hopefully we'll be back up to speed as soon as we get back on track on Monday."
Sylvain Guintoli was right behind Camier at 1:31.3 on his factory Aprilia, while Jonny Rea marched in one-tenth lockstep to third at 1:31.4 on his Honda despite crashing in the late afternoon. Marco Melandri was fourth on his BMW at 1:31.6, while Michel Fabrizio rounded out the top five on his Aprilia at 1:31.7.
But the second day of testing was almost as significant for who wasn't on the track.
Both Ducati riders ended up spending the second day of the test in a Melbourne-area hospital. Carlos Checa missed his second consecutive day with a blocked intestine, and Ayrton Badovini was checked and released without injury from the crash house after suspecting a broken rib from a hard morning spill in Turn 9. Badovini's Ducati caught fire and burnt to a charcoal-gray crisp after hitting the ground.
Both Kawasaki riders, Tom Sykes and Loris Baz, didn't ride Friday after suffering injuries in crashes Thursday on the freshly paved surface at Phillip Island. Sykes sustained a broken wrist, while Baz still suffered from back pain due to his massive high-side Thursday.
Camier's teammate, Jules Cluzel, also missed testing Friday due to a minor operation Thursday at a Melbourne-area hospital to repair a deep gash in his elbow suffered in a crash Thursday and re-opened in a second crash later that day.
All of the banged-up and ill riders are expected to participate in the official WSBK race week test starting Monday at Phillip Island.
Medic!
Camier's bike and a coupla other pics of the Duke that went down on day one
Ayrton Badovini (before going to hospital) - Team Ducati Alstare
“I’m reasonably happy with what we’ve done so far and I’m getting to know the bike better each time out. I’ve never ridden a twin before and the bike’s characteristics are very different to what I’m used to. I’ve been concentrating on making small steps forward, instead of trying anything radical and I feel that we’ve made good progress. As this bike is new, we’ve been trying to find a good base setting - something that will give us a reference point - and good bike balance. Also, the team have been working a lot on the electronics and the power delivery. We have to improve quite a few things, but that is normal with a new bike - especially as we cannot use any data from before. I’m very happy with the team and already everybody is working well together. I am positive that once we get the bike dialled in, we can get good results.”
Leon Camier – Fixi Crescent Suzuki
“The new surface is OK, though it felt bad at first. Once some rubber was down, it improved. There are a lot less bumps and I am using the same racing line, but there are now a couple of places where we’ve got a few different options. I’m satisfied with what we’ve done over the two days though I could’ve done without the crashes - especially the one today. It became very windy this afternoon, and I lost the front on the last turn when a gust of wind hit the bike. The bike went on forever, over a barrier and took out a couple of small trees in the process. It obliterated the bike, which is not that hard to believe as the crash happened at over 200 kph. I’m pretty beaten up, and I’m going to be pretty sore tomorrow, but luckily I didn’t break anything. I felt pretty comfortable on the bike today and even managed to do a race distance OK.”
Sylvain Guintoli – Aprilia
“Generally I’m very happy with these two days. We’ve done a lot of work towards a race set-up and race pace and I’ve been able to get to know the bike a lot better and now feel much more at home with the bike. I managed to find a good rhythm and also tried a lot of different settings. Yesterday morning the track didn’t feel so good, but once some rubber went down, it improved quite a bit. Some bumps still remain, but generally it is much batter, though there a couple of places where I feel it is a bit worse. This bike is very different to what I rode last year - especially with regards to the engine, the chassis and the electronics. Also the 17 inch wheels make a big difference, but I’m really happy with them and the progress we’re making.”
Eugene Laverty - Aprilia
“It’s been a good couple of days, though not without some issues. Yesterday was good and my lap times were good, but today we suffered with front end problems and although we tried many different ideas we never really got rid of the problem. Today we were struggling to make the front tyre last more than six laps. But apart from that, everything else was OK. The 17 inch tyres seemed to suit the bike (well yesterday anyway) and and we just made steady progress. The track is generally better though there are some strange bumps at turn 2 - everywhere else is OK. It became quite windy this afternoon - in turns 2 and 3 and also the last turn and it would; been easy to crash, so I took it a bit steady there. I did nearly lose the front one time at the hairpin but managed to get back upright again by using my right knee.”
Chas Davies - BMW Motorrad GoldBet
We’ve improved quite a bit over the test and I’m certainly much comfortable with the bike compared to the last time out. Also we’ve been able to try quite a few different things (about 70% of what we wanted) and that made me happy. The track was better today than yesterday, though the wind was a problem in the afternoon and you had to be very careful in a couple of places. There a few bumps still around, including a strange big one at turn 3. I think the 17 inch wheels are a step in the right direction and my feeling about them is pretty good so far. I was pushing hard today, but I didn’t take any big risks as the season is only just starting and you have to think about the races ahead. I am happy to end the test having nearly a second quicker than yesterday and I’m now looking forward to my next time on the bike and improving some more.”
Marco Melandri – BMW Motorrad GoldBet
“I was actually expecting a bit more from the track. I remember that, in 1998, the resurfacing made the track much better. Now, in some places the bumps are better and in some places they are worse. The grip is OK, but we’re having a tough time because the tyres are only lasting five or six laps. We struggled a bit with the 17 inch tyres in November, but here we’ve definitely made a step forward with them. We’ve improved the bike’s corner speed entry and also the chattering. Last year the chattering was very bad here. We haven’t got rid of it 100%, but it’s pretty good now.”
Leon Haslam – Pata Honda
“We had some issues with the new electronics before this test, but over the two days we’ve improved them and now we’re probably at about 70%, so that’s pretty positive. We’re still trying things of course and we’ll continue that at then next test. I did some good lap times on hard tyres maybe because the track feels a lot smoother. The new surface means that we’ve had to use a different set-up than before . Yesterday morning and this morning was not so good, but yesterday afternoon and this afternoon was better, though when the wind came up this afternoon, it became difficult to control the bike in some corners. It was especially bad at turn 3 and the Hayshed as well as the last turn coming on to the front straight. I’m feeling happy with the bike’s chassis and looking forward to the next test and putting everything we’ve learnt here together.”
PRIVATE WSBK TEST OVERALL BEST TIMES (UNOFFICIAL)
1. Leon Camier GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 31.2s
2. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.4s
3. Marco Melandri ITA BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 31.6s
4. Eugene Laverty IRL Aprilia Racing RSV4 1m 31.7s
5. Michel Fabrizio ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 1m 31.7s
6. Jonathan Rea GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 31.9s
7. Leon Haslam GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR 1m 31.9s
8. 8. Davide Giugliano ITA Althea Aprilia RSV4 1m 31.9s
9. Chaz Davies GBR BMW GoldBet S1000RR 1m 32.1s
10. Loris Baz FRA Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 33.2s
11. Ayrton Badovini ITA Alstare Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.4s
12. Jules Cluzel FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 1m 32.5s
13. Max Neukirchner GER MR Ducati 1199 R 1m 32.6s
14. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 34.5s
Carlos Checa SPA Alstare Ducati 1199R did not ride
Official World Superbike lap records – Phillip Island
Race Lap record Max Biaggi Aprilia (2012) time 1m31.785
Best lap qualifying record Carlos Checa Ducati – Ducati (2011) time 1m30.882
Phillip Island KRT Private Test Report
Newsflash, 15 February 2013
KRT riders Tom Sykes and Loris Baz each had their first test sessions in Australia cut short after crashes and now the riders and team are preparing to come back strong in a few days time
The 2013 season came one large step closer at the private tests organised at Phillip Island in Australia and despite the bad luck suffered after such a strong campaign of European-based winter testing, all in the official Kawasaki effort now look forward to getting back into action in preparation for raceday on Sunday 24 February.
Sykes fell and injured his left hand on day one after less than ten laps of the PI circuit, which has recently been resurfaced. He underwent a medical examination right away and will be ready to take to the track once again in a few days for the official pre-race tests.
Loris was posting fast times on his first visit to Phillip Island but pushed a little too hard on day one and had a high speed fall. It was decided to rest him to be ready for the next tests at the track in the state of Victoria, after he fell hard and suffered pain in his back.
Now the team turn their thoughts to the official test sessions, on Monday and Tuesday 18 and 19 February, before the first practice sessions for the opening round start for real on Friday 22. Raceday is Sunday 24 February.
Tom Sykes: “I hurt my left hand in a crash after less than ten laps of the circuit, so we decided to rest up afterwards so I can be ready for the official tests in a few days. I do not do much crashing but I got caught out and these things happen in racing. Now we just have to react in the best way to be ready for the next test and then the race. There is no point pushing it because my first flying lap at Phillip Island was nearly into the 1’34s, so I have confidence with my feeling on the bike. We have a test next week and between Kawasaki and the boys in the team, plus all our technical sponsors, we have made massive progress over the winter, so the bike is ready to go. All we missed out on so far are a few extra laps.”
Loris Baz: “It was my first time here and I like the track a lot. I was going very well for a time but I crashed on corner two after 30 laps. It was a big crash and I want to say sorry to Pere, the team and KHI, and I made the mistake. I felt some pain in my back and the team decided not to carry on and to use the time to repair all material to make preparations for the two official test days. I'm really motivated to go again so let's see how we go.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief Sykes: “Technically speaking, we were sorted already with the bike before this test. I believe that we can go well from now and in terms of the bike and the way things have gone in previous winter tests, we should be ready. We did not do so many laps before Tom had his crash but decided not continue. Tom is ready to test on Monday so we will see how much we can do then.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief Baz: “This was the first time for Loris at this track and right away he was going very fast. It seemed like the bike was working well for him on the settings we had from the Jerez test. We just did laps at the beginning, not trying anything new, to give Loris time in the track. So to be doing 1’33 lap times after only 30 laps was very fast. Then he had the crash, so now we prepare for the next tests.”
Newsflash, 15 February 2013
KRT riders Tom Sykes and Loris Baz each had their first test sessions in Australia cut short after crashes and now the riders and team are preparing to come back strong in a few days time
Sykes fell and injured his left hand on day one after less than ten laps of the PI circuit, which has recently been resurfaced. He underwent a medical examination right away and will be ready to take to the track once again in a few days for the official pre-race tests.
Loris was posting fast times on his first visit to Phillip Island but pushed a little too hard on day one and had a high speed fall. It was decided to rest him to be ready for the next tests at the track in the state of Victoria, after he fell hard and suffered pain in his back.
Now the team turn their thoughts to the official test sessions, on Monday and Tuesday 18 and 19 February, before the first practice sessions for the opening round start for real on Friday 22. Raceday is Sunday 24 February.
Tom Sykes: “I hurt my left hand in a crash after less than ten laps of the circuit, so we decided to rest up afterwards so I can be ready for the official tests in a few days. I do not do much crashing but I got caught out and these things happen in racing. Now we just have to react in the best way to be ready for the next test and then the race. There is no point pushing it because my first flying lap at Phillip Island was nearly into the 1’34s, so I have confidence with my feeling on the bike. We have a test next week and between Kawasaki and the boys in the team, plus all our technical sponsors, we have made massive progress over the winter, so the bike is ready to go. All we missed out on so far are a few extra laps.”
Loris Baz: “It was my first time here and I like the track a lot. I was going very well for a time but I crashed on corner two after 30 laps. It was a big crash and I want to say sorry to Pere, the team and KHI, and I made the mistake. I felt some pain in my back and the team decided not to carry on and to use the time to repair all material to make preparations for the two official test days. I'm really motivated to go again so let's see how we go.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief Sykes: “Technically speaking, we were sorted already with the bike before this test. I believe that we can go well from now and in terms of the bike and the way things have gone in previous winter tests, we should be ready. We did not do so many laps before Tom had his crash but decided not continue. Tom is ready to test on Monday so we will see how much we can do then.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief Baz: “This was the first time for Loris at this track and right away he was going very fast. It seemed like the bike was working well for him on the settings we had from the Jerez test. We just did laps at the beginning, not trying anything new, to give Loris time in the track. So to be doing 1’33 lap times after only 30 laps was very fast. Then he had the crash, so now we prepare for the next tests.”
Franco Uncini appointed FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Following the retirement of Mr Claude Danis, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has appointed Mr Franco Uncini FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer and circuit inspector.
Claude Danis was a member of the FIM Road Racing Commission (CCR) from 1991 and Chairman of the CCR from 1993 to 2010. From 1999 onwards, he was also FIM Representative in the Grand Prix Race Direction. The FIM warmly thanks Mr Danis for his long career at the FIM and for playing an active part in the huge improvements made in recent years with regard to safety, a paramount aspect of our sport.
FIM Grand Prix World Champion in 500cc in 1982 aboard a Suzuki, Franco Uncini is 58 years old. He ended his riding career in 1985, returning as Ducati Team Manager in World Superbike the year Doug Polen took the title. At the end of 1992, he was chosen by the Grand Prix riders to represent them as ‘IRTA Riders Safety Delegate’ starting in the 1993 season. He worked closely with Claude Danis in the Grand Prix Race Direction and for the circuit homologations. He took up his position at the beginning of February.
Rossi: "The fire inside was never out"
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valentino Rossi has spoken out about his 2013 season in an interview with Italian Motosprint magazine, as well as his difficult stint at Ducati and what ambitions still remain.
His 18th season is meant to be his “rebirth”, as he lines up one again with his beloved Yamaha M1 after a challenging time with the Ducati Desmosedici. 2013 has already awoken some emotions in fans, as Rossi showed that he was quick from the off in the first test in Sepang.
In an exclusive interview with Motosprint, the Italian talked in-depth about his frustration these last two years, the joys of returning to a team to “have fun”, friends, enemies, certainties and hopes. Speaking on leaving the Italian outfit he said: “My past speaks for me, as with the Aprilia, Honda and Yamaha I have always been lucky enough to be on the right bike. I know how to win, but maybe in Ducati it was only me who knew how to.”
Now it's time to go big - not to prove it to just anyone - but to himself. "I'm riding for fun, like I’ve always done, but it is obvious that I’m back at Yamaha with the idea of beating the Hondas as I did years ago. I found the bike much easier to ride than in 2009, the grip and electronics are incredible: the M1 is definitely a bike to put at full lean!"
His return to the Iwata factory implies a challenge to the current MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, however, for him Rossi has only good words: "Lorenzo, through those tough years has been very polite with me. He, like Pedrosa, has shown me respect, not raging about me. Something that Stoner, and in part Dovizioso, didn’t do. With me, Lorenzo has always been very fair."
Rossi then moves on to discuss the opposition: "Last year Pedrosa had an incredible second half of the season and maybe this could be his year. He's ready. On the other hand, he has a strange destiny, because every time he is on the verge of winning the title, something always happens (see Misano 2012). Talking of Dani, I must admit that Márquez is the only rider in which I see really see myself, and that's why even if he is my opponent, I see a lot of me in him."
His minimum target is to win a race, but one knows Rossi won’t be satisfied: "The fire inside was never out. Now I feel competitive, but to beat Lorenzo and Pedrosa there is still much to do, especially on race-pace. Many think I should stop, but I know the truth!"
MotoGP™ journalists give their views on 2013 season
MotoGP™ journalists give their views on 2013 season
Thursday, 14 February 2013
At the first Sepang test of 2013, journalists from around the globe gave their views on the MotoGP™ season ahead, who they think the main players would be, and about the other protagonists involved.
Speaking first on the title favourites…
Matt Birt, MCN
"I think it’s definitely going to be a fight between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa. We saw last year that aside from those guys, expect Casey, were head and shoulders above the other guys, and it will be interesting to see how Valentino back on the Yamaha is going to do."
Günther Weisinger, Speedweek
"Title contenders….Lorenzo, Pedrosa…and Rossi."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think there are three, and they are Dani Pedrosa, Marc Márquez and Jorge Lorenzo in no particular order."
And then on Valentino’s return to Yamaha…
Enrico Borghi, Motosprint
"Valentino will be big news this year. I trust in him a lot, I think he’ll be on the podium. But I know him very well – in his mind, he’s working to be No 1 again. He doesn’t want to say, but he thinks…he wants to try."
About rookie Marc Márquez…
José Maroto, Motociclismo
"He [Márquez] will be on the podium from the first race and he’ll be fighting for the victory quite soon."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think he’ll win a handful of races. If you remember back to 2008, I believe, when Jorge came in, he was on pole the first three races and finished third, second, first. It will be tough for Márquez to do that, but no one believes he can’t."
And who else might surprise…
Matt Birt, MCN
"I think that Cal acknowledges the fact he’s got to step up this year. Andrea last year had six podiums, Cal two, and I think Cal’s got to be looking at matching that number of podiums Andrea had. But it’s going to be tough. MotoGP gets harder every year. But I think he could be a big surprise."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think Stefan Bradl’s going to be better than he was last year. I think he’ll be towards the front of the second group after the three fastest guys."
To find out all their responses and what they expect from Ducati this year, check out the full video here on motogp.com!
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Following the retirement of Mr Claude Danis, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has appointed Mr Franco Uncini FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer and circuit inspector.
Claude Danis was a member of the FIM Road Racing Commission (CCR) from 1991 and Chairman of the CCR from 1993 to 2010. From 1999 onwards, he was also FIM Representative in the Grand Prix Race Direction. The FIM warmly thanks Mr Danis for his long career at the FIM and for playing an active part in the huge improvements made in recent years with regard to safety, a paramount aspect of our sport.
FIM Grand Prix World Champion in 500cc in 1982 aboard a Suzuki, Franco Uncini is 58 years old. He ended his riding career in 1985, returning as Ducati Team Manager in World Superbike the year Doug Polen took the title. At the end of 1992, he was chosen by the Grand Prix riders to represent them as ‘IRTA Riders Safety Delegate’ starting in the 1993 season. He worked closely with Claude Danis in the Grand Prix Race Direction and for the circuit homologations. He took up his position at the beginning of February.
Rossi: "The fire inside was never out"
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valentino Rossi has spoken out about his 2013 season in an interview with Italian Motosprint magazine, as well as his difficult stint at Ducati and what ambitions still remain.
His 18th season is meant to be his “rebirth”, as he lines up one again with his beloved Yamaha M1 after a challenging time with the Ducati Desmosedici. 2013 has already awoken some emotions in fans, as Rossi showed that he was quick from the off in the first test in Sepang.
In an exclusive interview with Motosprint, the Italian talked in-depth about his frustration these last two years, the joys of returning to a team to “have fun”, friends, enemies, certainties and hopes. Speaking on leaving the Italian outfit he said: “My past speaks for me, as with the Aprilia, Honda and Yamaha I have always been lucky enough to be on the right bike. I know how to win, but maybe in Ducati it was only me who knew how to.”
Now it's time to go big - not to prove it to just anyone - but to himself. "I'm riding for fun, like I’ve always done, but it is obvious that I’m back at Yamaha with the idea of beating the Hondas as I did years ago. I found the bike much easier to ride than in 2009, the grip and electronics are incredible: the M1 is definitely a bike to put at full lean!"
His return to the Iwata factory implies a challenge to the current MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, however, for him Rossi has only good words: "Lorenzo, through those tough years has been very polite with me. He, like Pedrosa, has shown me respect, not raging about me. Something that Stoner, and in part Dovizioso, didn’t do. With me, Lorenzo has always been very fair."
Rossi then moves on to discuss the opposition: "Last year Pedrosa had an incredible second half of the season and maybe this could be his year. He's ready. On the other hand, he has a strange destiny, because every time he is on the verge of winning the title, something always happens (see Misano 2012). Talking of Dani, I must admit that Márquez is the only rider in which I see really see myself, and that's why even if he is my opponent, I see a lot of me in him."
His minimum target is to win a race, but one knows Rossi won’t be satisfied: "The fire inside was never out. Now I feel competitive, but to beat Lorenzo and Pedrosa there is still much to do, especially on race-pace. Many think I should stop, but I know the truth!"
MotoGP™ journalists give their views on 2013 season
MotoGP™ journalists give their views on 2013 season
Thursday, 14 February 2013
At the first Sepang test of 2013, journalists from around the globe gave their views on the MotoGP™ season ahead, who they think the main players would be, and about the other protagonists involved.
Speaking first on the title favourites…
Matt Birt, MCN
"I think it’s definitely going to be a fight between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa. We saw last year that aside from those guys, expect Casey, were head and shoulders above the other guys, and it will be interesting to see how Valentino back on the Yamaha is going to do."
Günther Weisinger, Speedweek
"Title contenders….Lorenzo, Pedrosa…and Rossi."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think there are three, and they are Dani Pedrosa, Marc Márquez and Jorge Lorenzo in no particular order."
And then on Valentino’s return to Yamaha…
Enrico Borghi, Motosprint
"Valentino will be big news this year. I trust in him a lot, I think he’ll be on the podium. But I know him very well – in his mind, he’s working to be No 1 again. He doesn’t want to say, but he thinks…he wants to try."
About rookie Marc Márquez…
José Maroto, Motociclismo
"He [Márquez] will be on the podium from the first race and he’ll be fighting for the victory quite soon."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think he’ll win a handful of races. If you remember back to 2008, I believe, when Jorge came in, he was on pole the first three races and finished third, second, first. It will be tough for Márquez to do that, but no one believes he can’t."
And who else might surprise…
Matt Birt, MCN
"I think that Cal acknowledges the fact he’s got to step up this year. Andrea last year had six podiums, Cal two, and I think Cal’s got to be looking at matching that number of podiums Andrea had. But it’s going to be tough. MotoGP gets harder every year. But I think he could be a big surprise."
Henny Ray Abrams, Cycle News
"I think Stefan Bradl’s going to be better than he was last year. I think he’ll be towards the front of the second group after the three fastest guys."
To find out all their responses and what they expect from Ducati this year, check out the full video here on motogp.com!
Viñales still top as last Jerez day a washout
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Wet conditions for the final day of Moto3™ testing at the Jerez circuit meant that JHK t-shirt Laglisse’s Maverick Viñales stayed top of the pile with his time set in the dry yesterday, ahead of Estrella Galicia 0,0’s Alex Rins and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Luis Salom.
On a day that was far from ideal as far as test conditions go, riders did not put in a large number of laps as Caretta Technology-RTG’s Jack Miller led Rins and Redox RW Racing GP’s Jakub Kornfeil at the end of the day.
Yet the test concluded with a trio of KTMs at the top, with Viñales setting the best time of 1:46.805, with Rins only 0.006 seconds off and Salom a further three tenths adrift. Viñales, though happy with the bike, cited that chatter in high-speed corners was the most urgent issue to resolve.
Just slightly behind the Kalex KTM of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger, Mahindra Racing has reason to be pleased with its second outing with its new bike, with Miguel Oliveira putting the new machine in fifth. CIP’s Juanfran Guevara was the fastest rookie of the test in sixth, having led briefly at the halfway point yesterday. The overall top ten was rounded out by Ambrogio Racing’s Brad Binder on the Suter Honda, Mahindra’s Efrén Vázquez, Binder’s teammate Danny Webb – who had been fastest in the wet on Tuesday – and Kornfeil.
This week’s test has not been without its mishaps. On Wednesday, Red Bull’s Arthur Sissis became victim of a broken engine and consequently missed the opportunity to rack up vital dry running in the afternoon. On top of this, several riders have suffered falls and off-track excursions over the course of the test – chiefly due to the adverse conditions – but all escaped uninjured.
Moto3™ will regroup for the final pre-season test in Jerez from 18-21 March, which precedes Qatar’s opening round of the 2013 campaign in early April.
Espargaró ends Jerez test on top
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Thursday, 21 February 2013
Tuenti HP 40’s Pol Espargaró has completed this week’s three-day Jerez Moto2™ test quickest, courtesy of his best lap time from Wednesday. As rain and fog returned on Thursday, the conditions sealed second and third places overall for Italtrans Racing Team’s Takaaki Nakagami and Marc VDS Racing Team’s Scott Redding.
Espargaró’s pace very much suggests that the Catalan rider is a firm favourite for the title this year, having also topped the Valencia test session last week. On this occasion, the 21-year-old led the way by just under three tenths of a second, posting a best effort of 1:42.332.
Thursday again saw the Moto2™ field both sharing the circuit with their Moto3™ siblings as well as having separate track time. The day’s best lap came from Nicolas Terol and Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2, but drawing direct comparisons with rivals was all but impossible because of the mixed conditions. Terol had also topped the timesheets on Tuesday, this time on a day which was wet for the duration, with a personal best lap well over ten seconds slower than Espargaró's fastest dry representation.
A brief weather improvement brought false hope today, as showers returned in the closing stages and as few as two riders registered a time. This leaves Italtrans’ Julián Simon and the aforementioned Terol fourth and fifth overall, ahead of the second Tuenti HP 40 bike of Esteve Rabat. The top ten is completed by Terol’s teammate Jordi Torres, Marc VDS Racing Team’s Mika Kallio, Came IodaRacing Project’s Johann Zarco and Technomag carXpert’s Dominique Aegerter.
Moto2™ testing continues at Jerez from 18-21 March, for what will be the final pre-season gathering before the MotoGP™ community reunites in Qatar.
Lüthi expected to "fully recover", yet no return date set
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Saturday, 16 February 2013
Following Interwetten-Paddock’s Tom Lüthi’s crash last Thursday and his operation yesterday morning, the team has released the following update on his condition.
After the initial shock of Tom Lüthi’s heavy crash last Thursday afternoon at Valencia, relief for all members of Team Interwetten Paddock followed one day later: The 26-year-old Moto2 star had been successfully operated and his Swiss surgeons expect a full recovery from his multiple fractures.
At around 4 p.m. on the third and final day of the official Moto2 testing session on the Ricardo Tormo circuit, Lüthi had unluckily been involved in a crash of Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot who lost the front going into turn 2 of the race track. The fact that Lüthi and his Suter bike were hit so hard and completely unexpectedly by Wilairot tumbling machine, contributed to the seriousness of Lüthi’s injuries.
In Valencia’s "9th of October" hospital, the suspicions of multiple and complicated fractures in his right upper arm, elbow and shoulder were confirmed. Since Lüthi was able to travel, Switzerland’s emergency recovery service "Rega" sent a jet that picked Lüthi up shortly after 10 p.m. the same evening. After landing at Zurich airport, an ambulance brought him to the hospital of Münsingen, were the team of Dr. Marc Metzler, Lüthi’s surgeon for many years, started surgery only one hour after his arrival at 5 a.m. the following morning. Whereas his shoulder injury didn’t require surgery, his multiple fractures in elbow and upper arm were screwed and plated in a five-hour-long procedure. "The operation was a success. Tom can expect a full recovery without any restrictions to his mobility", was the good news when the doctors came out of the operation theatre.
But it remains unclear when Tom Lüthi will be able to attack again and to fight for victory in the Moto2 category. There are no plans for an early return at the remaining pre-season test session and his participation at the first round at Qatar on April 7th is also in jeopardy. But even though it is far too early to speculate about the date of his comeback, there is no doubt that doctors, physiotherapists and Lüthi himself will do everything in their power to make sure of a speedy recovery.
"This accident was very, very unlucky", said team owner Daniel M. Epp. "But the initial report of the doctors after surgery took a big weight of our shoulders since Tom will, in all likelihood, recover completely from his injuries. At the moment, this is all that counts!"
^^^ huge loss to the class
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Wet conditions for the final day of Moto3™ testing at the Jerez circuit meant that JHK t-shirt Laglisse’s Maverick Viñales stayed top of the pile with his time set in the dry yesterday, ahead of Estrella Galicia 0,0’s Alex Rins and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Luis Salom.
On a day that was far from ideal as far as test conditions go, riders did not put in a large number of laps as Caretta Technology-RTG’s Jack Miller led Rins and Redox RW Racing GP’s Jakub Kornfeil at the end of the day.
Yet the test concluded with a trio of KTMs at the top, with Viñales setting the best time of 1:46.805, with Rins only 0.006 seconds off and Salom a further three tenths adrift. Viñales, though happy with the bike, cited that chatter in high-speed corners was the most urgent issue to resolve.
Just slightly behind the Kalex KTM of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger, Mahindra Racing has reason to be pleased with its second outing with its new bike, with Miguel Oliveira putting the new machine in fifth. CIP’s Juanfran Guevara was the fastest rookie of the test in sixth, having led briefly at the halfway point yesterday. The overall top ten was rounded out by Ambrogio Racing’s Brad Binder on the Suter Honda, Mahindra’s Efrén Vázquez, Binder’s teammate Danny Webb – who had been fastest in the wet on Tuesday – and Kornfeil.
This week’s test has not been without its mishaps. On Wednesday, Red Bull’s Arthur Sissis became victim of a broken engine and consequently missed the opportunity to rack up vital dry running in the afternoon. On top of this, several riders have suffered falls and off-track excursions over the course of the test – chiefly due to the adverse conditions – but all escaped uninjured.
Moto3™ will regroup for the final pre-season test in Jerez from 18-21 March, which precedes Qatar’s opening round of the 2013 campaign in early April.
Espargaró ends Jerez test on top
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Thursday, 21 February 2013
Tuenti HP 40’s Pol Espargaró has completed this week’s three-day Jerez Moto2™ test quickest, courtesy of his best lap time from Wednesday. As rain and fog returned on Thursday, the conditions sealed second and third places overall for Italtrans Racing Team’s Takaaki Nakagami and Marc VDS Racing Team’s Scott Redding.
Espargaró’s pace very much suggests that the Catalan rider is a firm favourite for the title this year, having also topped the Valencia test session last week. On this occasion, the 21-year-old led the way by just under three tenths of a second, posting a best effort of 1:42.332.
Thursday again saw the Moto2™ field both sharing the circuit with their Moto3™ siblings as well as having separate track time. The day’s best lap came from Nicolas Terol and Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2, but drawing direct comparisons with rivals was all but impossible because of the mixed conditions. Terol had also topped the timesheets on Tuesday, this time on a day which was wet for the duration, with a personal best lap well over ten seconds slower than Espargaró's fastest dry representation.
A brief weather improvement brought false hope today, as showers returned in the closing stages and as few as two riders registered a time. This leaves Italtrans’ Julián Simon and the aforementioned Terol fourth and fifth overall, ahead of the second Tuenti HP 40 bike of Esteve Rabat. The top ten is completed by Terol’s teammate Jordi Torres, Marc VDS Racing Team’s Mika Kallio, Came IodaRacing Project’s Johann Zarco and Technomag carXpert’s Dominique Aegerter.
Moto2™ testing continues at Jerez from 18-21 March, for what will be the final pre-season gathering before the MotoGP™ community reunites in Qatar.
Lüthi expected to "fully recover", yet no return date set
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Saturday, 16 February 2013
Following Interwetten-Paddock’s Tom Lüthi’s crash last Thursday and his operation yesterday morning, the team has released the following update on his condition.
After the initial shock of Tom Lüthi’s heavy crash last Thursday afternoon at Valencia, relief for all members of Team Interwetten Paddock followed one day later: The 26-year-old Moto2 star had been successfully operated and his Swiss surgeons expect a full recovery from his multiple fractures.
At around 4 p.m. on the third and final day of the official Moto2 testing session on the Ricardo Tormo circuit, Lüthi had unluckily been involved in a crash of Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot who lost the front going into turn 2 of the race track. The fact that Lüthi and his Suter bike were hit so hard and completely unexpectedly by Wilairot tumbling machine, contributed to the seriousness of Lüthi’s injuries.
In Valencia’s "9th of October" hospital, the suspicions of multiple and complicated fractures in his right upper arm, elbow and shoulder were confirmed. Since Lüthi was able to travel, Switzerland’s emergency recovery service "Rega" sent a jet that picked Lüthi up shortly after 10 p.m. the same evening. After landing at Zurich airport, an ambulance brought him to the hospital of Münsingen, were the team of Dr. Marc Metzler, Lüthi’s surgeon for many years, started surgery only one hour after his arrival at 5 a.m. the following morning. Whereas his shoulder injury didn’t require surgery, his multiple fractures in elbow and upper arm were screwed and plated in a five-hour-long procedure. "The operation was a success. Tom can expect a full recovery without any restrictions to his mobility", was the good news when the doctors came out of the operation theatre.
But it remains unclear when Tom Lüthi will be able to attack again and to fight for victory in the Moto2 category. There are no plans for an early return at the remaining pre-season test session and his participation at the first round at Qatar on April 7th is also in jeopardy. But even though it is far too early to speculate about the date of his comeback, there is no doubt that doctors, physiotherapists and Lüthi himself will do everything in their power to make sure of a speedy recovery.
"This accident was very, very unlucky", said team owner Daniel M. Epp. "But the initial report of the doctors after surgery took a big weight of our shoulders since Tom will, in all likelihood, recover completely from his injuries. At the moment, this is all that counts!"
^^^ huge loss to the class
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